Ballet dancer and TV star Jack Burns dies suddenly at 14
A 14-year-old “exceptionally talented” dancer who starred in multiple TV roles including hit series Outlander has died suddenly at his parent’s home.
Jack Burns was found dead at home in Greenock, in Inverclyde, Scotland, on December 1 in circumstances not being treated as suspicious by police.
The teen held a prestigious position as a student of Elite Academy of Dance - Greenocks Royal Academy Classical Ballet School in Glasgow, and was a student at UK Theatre School Performing Arts Academy.
He starred in Outlander in 2014 and also appeared in a thriller called Plain Sight, along with several other BBC productions.
Elite Academy mourned its loss in a post to Facebook and remembered Jack as “an inspiration to everyone”.
“Tragically as you know we lost our much-loved student Jack Burns on Sunday 1st of December. Jack was an inspiration to everyone at Elite and touched the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of working and dancing with him since 2012,” the post read.
“We and all of Jack’s family and friends are naturally completely devastated and are at a loss for words and answers.”
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Jack left behind his parents Karen and Robert, and a brother named Rory.
The performing arts academy also expressed sadness at Jack’s sudden and unexpected death.
“Last week, we emailed all of our current students’ parents and guardians with the terribly sad news about the passing of one of our exceptionally talented young students, Jack Burns.
“Jack’s parents are very grateful for all your thoughts and prayers and have asked us to get in touch with you all regarding the funeral details.”
His funeral is to be held on December 12 from 10am at St Mary’s R.C. Church in Greenock, according to Dignity Funerals.
The respective posts to Facebook attracted a flood of comments from devastated community members.
“Such awful news, a handsome talented boy gone far too soon. My heart goes out to Jack's family! You’re in my thoughts at this sad sad time,” one person wrote.
“We were so devastated to hear this news about Jack. He was such a talented boy in all areas of his life and such a lovely handsome boy,” another wrote.
“What an absolute star. Such an incredible talent. My thoughts and prayers for Jack and his family,” a third wrote.
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